Threat To The California Giant Black Seabass

The Return of the Black Sea Bass: Good News and Bad -
September 1999

It looks like the moratorium on the taking or possession of
black sea bass is having its desired effect in that divers at
all the Channel Islands are reporting frequent sightings of
these once nearly extinct critters. In one case, a pair of
divers off Anacapa nearly went berserk trying to take photos of
a school of seven "smaller" fish weighing between an estimated
50 to 250 pounds! The news is good along the coast, as well as
with beach divers in Malibu, Santa Monica, Palos Verdes and
Laguna Beach, enjoying the awesome experience of seeing these
magnificent creatures. So what could be the bad news about the
miraculous return of the black sea bass? Well, apparently some
people are unwilling to appreciate these gentle creatures
visually. Divers off Anacapa Island have found evidence in the
form of two severed heads from cleaned blacks that someone has
been taking these fish home for dinner - not as guests, but as
the main course! After locating the heads, and recovering one
for evidence, divers reported their disheartening find to local
Park Rangers and the California Department of Fish and Game.
Anyone witnessing the taking of black sea bass should notify
either Park rangers by calling on VHF marine radio channel 16,
or the California Department of Fish and Game's "We Tip" number
(888-DFG-CALTIP). For those who have not had the pleasure of
seeing one of these fish "at home" it is something to look
forward to. Despite the appellation "black" sea bass, they are,
when seen underwater, usually a very light silvery-purple color
with large dark polka-dots scattered over their chunky bodies.
Though this color and pattern is most pronounced on the
"puppies," smaller fish up to a couple hundred pounds, even the
larger ones can be spotted sporting the same design. The only
time a black sea bass actually looks black, is when they are
dead. These are wonderful creatures and their return to our
local waters after decades of decline is a blessing, and adds
yet another benefit to the Southern California diving
experience. Yet if uncaring scofflaws are allowed to prey on
black sea bass, we may yet again face the loss of these
magnificent denizens of the kelp beds.

As many as 10 giant black sea bass are now seen regularly at the
Italian Gardens dive site according to Diana Madaras of Catalina
Scuba Luv. It is not unusual to see four to six of the large
protected fish. Once rare due to over fishing, the big creatures
have made a dramatic comeback in recent years. They are unafraid
of divers and often approach within just a few feet. They can
range in size from three feet long to over six feet long
weighing several hundreds of pounds. They are fully protected by
law and cannot be hunted or fished in any way. Italian Gardens
site is located on the frontside of Catalina just west of Long
Point.

Black Sea Bass Carcasses Discovered - November 1999

Two giant black sea bass carcasses have been discovered at Long
Point on Catalina Island. The bodies had been filleted and
dumped. Black sea bass are protected. They cannot be taken with
spear or hook and line. Fish taken with hook and line must be
released immediately. Several black sea bass have been making
regular appearances at Long Point in the last few months. The
magnificent animal, once near extinction, can reach upwards of
500 pounds and several feet in length. They generally do not
fear divers and can be easily approached. Those witnessing
illegal take of black sea bass are encouraged to call California
Fish and Game at 888-DFG-CALTIP (toll free).